As we embrace our golden years, our dental health journey takes on new nuances. Seniors encounter distinct dental challenges, from the heightened risk of periodontal disease to managing dry mouth and more. Recognizing these shifts is vital for maintaining not only a radiant smile for years to come but also for overall health and happiness. Let’s explore a specially designed senior dental health checklist that champions longevity and vitality. Join us as we navigate this roadmap to enduring oral wellness. Senior Dental Health Checklist Regular Dental Checkups: Prioritize bi-annual dental visit ..read more

Your tongue is a remarkable organ that reveals a lot about your overall health. If you’ve ever noticed strange spots on your tongue, don’t ignore them, they could be trying to tell you something important about your oral health. White Patches White patches on your tongue could indicate a condition known as leukoplakia. While not always serious, these patches can sometimes be precancerous. It’s essential to have them checked by your dentist to rule out any potential issues. Red or Strawberry-Like Bumps If your tongue resembles a field of strawberries, it might be a sign of scarlet fever. This b ..read more

Brightening your smile with whitening strips can be an exciting endeavor, but it’s not uncommon for some individuals to experience tooth sensitivity or discomfort afterward. Understanding the reasons behind this sensation can help you navigate the process more comfortably. If you plan to use whitening strips, keep reading to prepare for the process. Sensitivity After Whitening Whitening strips contain active ingredients, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, that penetrate the enamel to lift stains. While effective, this process can temporarily increase tooth sensitivity. If your te ..read more

Your diet, age, and lifestyle choices all factor into the overall appearance of your smile. If you’re wondering how to keep your teeth white, here are three tips to help prevent surface stains. Brush Twice a Day Prevention is paramount when it comes to stains and discoloration. The less time plaque has on your teeth, the less time it has to do damage. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. After eating, rinse your mouth with water to wash away some of the sugars and food particles. If you’ve had something particularly sugary, highly acidic, or darkly pigmented, chew sugar-free ..read more

It’s that time of the year again when the air becomes crisp, and your to-do list keeps filling up. While we know adding more to your list can be stressful, there is one thing you really shouldn’t overlook — taking advantage of your dental benefits before they expire. Don’t know how? Here are five tips to do so effectively! Schedule Preventive Care Preventive dental care, such as regular checkups and cleanings, is vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Most dental insurance plans cover these preventive services at little to no cost to you. By scheduling these routine appointments before ..read more

Overcrowded teeth can be more than just a cosmetic concern. This issue can make it challenging to clean the teeth, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease, and cause difficulty eating due to misalignment. Crowded teeth occur when there’s insufficient space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly. Sometimes this can result from genetics, habits like prolonged thumbsucking and/or tongue thrusting during childhood, or the loss of primary teeth before permanent teeth have fully erupted. Oral Health Risks of Crowded Teeth Overcrowded teeth negatively affect your smile’s appearan ..read more

Dental fillings can repair the look and function of damaged and decayed teeth. Over the years, fillings have become more effective, durable, and aesthetically pleasing! Evolution of Filling Materials In the past, dental fillings were primarily made of amalgam, a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. While amalgam fillings were durable, they had drawbacks in aesthetics and potential health concerns related to mercury toxicity. Modern dentistry has introduced other tooth-colored filling materials, such as composite resin and porcelain. Composite fillings consist of a ble ..read more

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile, and dental flossing is a crucial aspect of this regimen. However, if you find traditional flossing challenging or uncomfortable, there are alternative methods to traditional floss that are better than not flossing at all. Interdental Brushes Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes designed to clean between teeth and around dental work such as braces or bridges. They come in various sizes to accommodate different gaps between teeth. These brushes are particularly useful for removing larger food particles and plaque bui ..read more

Even if you take great care of your smile, you may still experience a dental issue sometime in your life. Let your dentist know if you experience any of the following: Tooth sensitivity can feel like a sharp pain or discomfort in your tooth that appears suddenly. Hot and cold temperatures, sweet foods, and acidic foods often trigger sensitivity. If you’re noticing symptoms of sensitivity, it’s important to bring it up to your dentist quickly as it could be caused by tooth decay, gum recession from gum disease, or thinning tooth enamel. Tooth Sensitivity Tooth pain can vary from mildly annoy ..read more

Gum disease affects many individuals worldwide and is a leading cause of tooth loss. Understanding the stages of gum disease, recognizing its signs, and seeking appropriate treatment can help preserve your oral health and prevent further complications. As your local dentist in Lakeland, FL, we’re sharing information about gum disease to help you stay alert! Signs of Gum Disease Gum disease can rapidly progress without professional treatment. Most of the time, you can spot gum disease due to red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Other signs of gum disease include: Bleeding gums during brushing or fl ..read more